Confession: I made a last minute change to this month’s blog. I was all set to write about a featured seasonal food, but something important came up – a beautiful summer day, the wonderful sunny kind that just begs to be enjoyed. So instead of staying indoors, I did a little gardening and then reconnected with a dear friend to go bicycling.
I am so glad I did too! Here’s what I learned.
But, first a little background so you know what I was thinking.
This past month, I gave a podcast about the common lifestyle traits of the Blue Zones, 5 communities around the world with the oldest living, happy, healthy individuals. In a post afterward to our dedicated Facebook page, I mentioned I would like to work on one of the Blue Zone traits called “Down Shifting,” basically working on ways to lower stress in my life. It occurred to me, after the fact, that taking time out for reconnecting with a friend and biking was the perfect way for me to “Down Shift.” Not only that, I also touched on some other important traits as well, those of “Moving Naturally” and connecting with my “Right Tribe.”
Wow, and I thought I was just “playing hooky” for the day! (If you would like to learn more about the 9 common characteristics of the Blue Zone, you can listen to our podcast here.)
I returned home feeling recharged and ready to get back to work. At first, I felt a bit guilty about leaving my work behind, but by allowing myself to do something just for myself, being just a “little bit bad,” I recharged my batteries and had a renewed energy for the work that needed to get done. I actually think I got more done because I “stole” some time for myself.
How many times have you pushed yourself to get things done and ignored your need to recharge? Perhaps you are a perfectionist that isn’t happy unless you are in total control. Do you sometimes feel like you are juggling too many balls at once? Welcome to the group. As I get older, I have come to appreciate doing something fun as a way to relieve stress and keep a positive outlook. Sometimes it can be as simple as reading the front page of the newspaper or doing the daily crossword puzzle.
As we leave these beautiful long days of summer behind and Fall begin the Fall and holiday seasons, taking some time for ourselves is especially difficult. But this is when being “just a little bit” bad can help the most!
Sometimes, just one “rebellious” act can make you feel in control again so you can put things in perspective. Have you ever thought of deleting emails without reading them or playing a prank on a family member? You can take a long luxurious bubble bath, or schedule a play date for yourself instead of just the kids. If you always find yourself always saying “yes” to requests, try saying “no” for once. You may feel bad at first, but there will also be a sense that you have stood up for what you need.
It is easy to fall into a people-pleasing pattern and neglect your own needs. Learning to put yourself first and finding your voice is priceless. I like the analogy of putting the airplane oxygen mask on you first, before assisting others! You can’t help others if you’re gasping for your own air. By taking time out every now and then to help yourself, you are better able to remain strong, especially during stressful times.
Try it out for yourself. I would love to hear about how you were “being bad” and how you felt about it!
Oh, and don’t worry, I will be posting those seasonal recipes soon!
Yours in Health,
Evey
Upcoming events:
TAKE20 event: September 10
TAKE20 event: October 2
Based on the positive feedback we received, we will be repeating our Fall program “Harvesting Your Natural Energy” from October 16-25 with upgrades to give you even more support throughout the program. In addition to the 5-Day Whole Food Cleanse with menus and recipes, this year you will begin receiving a short daily email and Facebook post containing a few simple action steps (suggestions) designed to help you get ready for the 5-day whole food cleanse on October 21.
Prepare your body and kitchen.
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